Some names have special meanings in popular American expressions. One day, an average Joe was walking down the street. An average Joe is a common person – either male or female. He did not know where he was going. So average Joe asked John Q. Public for directions to the nearest bank. John Q. Public is also a common person – male or female. “Jeez Louise,” said John Q. Public. This is an expression of surprise. “Don’t you know that all banks are closed today? It is Saturday.”
“For Pete’s sake.” said average Joe. This is also an expression used to show a feeling like surprise or disappointment. “I do not believe you,” said he. At that moment, Joe Blow was walking down the street with a woman. Joe Blow is also an expression for a common person. Now this Joe Blow was NOT walking next to a plain Jane. A plain Jane is a woman who is neither ugly nor pretty. The woman with Joe Blow was a real Sheila – a beautiful woman.
Average Joe asked the woman if all banks were closed on Saturday. “No way, Jose,” she answered. This is a way of saying “no.” “No way, Jose. Many banks are open on Saturdays.”
Average Joe did not know either of these two people from Adam. That is, he did not know them at all. But he followed their directions to the nearest bank. [
When he arrived, he walked to the desk and said: “I am here to withdraw some money so I can pay my taxes to Uncle Sam”. This represents the United States government. The banker produced some papers and told him to sign his John Hancock at the bottom. A John Hancock is a person’s signed name – a signature. Historically, John Hancock was one of the signers of the United States Declaration of Independence. Hancock had a beautiful signature and signed his name larger than all the others.
45．The main idea of this text is that .
A．some popular American names have special stories
B．some popular American expressions have some special names[
C．some popular American names have special meanings
D．some popular American expressions are interesting
46．Which of the following refers to an ordinary – looking woman?
A．A average Joe B．John Q. Public
C．Joe Blow D．A plain Jane
47．The name “Jeez Louise” is .
A．an expression of surprise B．a feeling like disappointment
C．an expression for a common man D．a woman who is neither ugly nor pretty
48．What does the banker really want to ask Joe to sign on the papers?
A．John Hancock. B．United States Declaration.
C．His own name. D．Uncle Sam.
